In this activity, we will compare decimal numbers and decide which is bigger or smaller.

Example

To compare decimal numbers, the digits are compared from the left.

When we compare 72.354  and  72.36, we must compare the hundredths column because all the digits up to that point are the same.

Both  numbers have 7 tens, 2 ones and 3 tenths. 

When we reach the hundredths column we see a difference:  72.354 has 5 hundredths and 72.36 has 6 hundredths.

Clearly, 5 hundredths is smaller than 6 hundredths.

Therefore 72.354 < 72.36

Let's have a go at some questions.